Stabbing accused pleads not guilty

A Latvian national who faces charges relating to a stabbing incident last month, involving two women and a dog, has today pleaded not guilty.

Matyss Zembergs, 23, stood in the dock wearing a baggy beige tee shirt tucked into baggy grey trackpants, appearing before judge Max Courtney.

Defence counsel Leo Lafferty entered his client's pleas and told the Judge Zembergs had elected a trial by jury.

He is charged with two counts of wounding with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and one of cruelty to an animal.

The charges relate to an alleged stabbing incident at 8.30pm on February 20 at a Flaxmere address.

Two women required hospital treatment for the injuries they received, and the man was also injured.

The maximum penalty for the charge of wounding with the intent to injure is 14 years imprisonment.

The third charge relates to the stabbing of dog Honey, which has a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a $25,000 fine.

The dog ran off at the time of the incident but was later found and returned to its owners.

Zembergs was remanded in custody until his next appearance which was today and his defence counsel Leo Lafferty made no further applications, he was further remanded in custody for a case review hearing on May 20.